Mary Jo Kilroy: “I rise today in support of House Resolution 1522, which expresses support for the designation of National Hereditary…”

“I rise today in support of House Resolution 1522, which expresses support for the designation of National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and National Previvor Day. I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution which will raise critical awareness about hereditary cancers and increase knowledge about genetic predispositions which may put some individuals at particular risk. Without that health care bill which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of an existing condition, many women and men would be afraid to learn more about their genetic histories. We all know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and we understand the devastating impact that the diagnosis can have on patients and loved ones. One in two men and one in three women will develop cancer in their lifetime, and in 2010 alone, nearly 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer.”